Helping our students reach their academic and social potential since 1998

2018-2019 Student Handbook

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Trinity Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students. It does not discriminate based on race, color, national, or ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school administered programs.

ADMISSION and RECORDS

Withdrawal

If a student is to be withdrawn, a parent must be present to sign a Student Withdrawal Form. All original copies of documents and forms from the Student File will be returned to the parent. Student records are withheld if a student’s account is not current. High School Transcripts are forwarded to other schools via mail, upon receiving proper requests. If a student is withdrawn on or after March 15, 2019, the balance of the yearly tuition amount is due and payable in cash. School records will be available one day after request. Official transcripts will not be given to students or parents. Student records include all documents in a Student File.

Release

Registration of a student represents the parent's acceptance of this Policy Handbook, and that the school will have final authority over school matters. The school may use the name and picture of any student, friend or family member of a student for distribution via public media such as newspapers, television, internet, etc The school reserves the right to modify any and all terms of this handbook at any time.

REGISTRATION

Student Registration

All students will be reviewed by the Registration committee for such things as Academic needs and achievements, Spirituality, Financial responsibility, Moral attitude, Parental assistance.

Transfer Students

Students may transfer to Trinity Christian Academy from any licensed school. The school reserves the right to acquire records such as most recent Report Card, Health Records, and Standardized Tests Transcripts must be received for registration of high school students to be considered complete, and will be evaluated for conformity to school and state requirements Pursuant to school statute 232.0205, each student at the time of initial registration shall note previous school expulsion, arrests resulting in a charge, and juvenile justice actions the student has had. Failure to supply such information is grounds for expulsion. Students that have been home schooled will be required to take exams to establish level of competency.

Testing and Interviews

The testing of all registering students will be at the discretion of the Director. An interview may be considered a requirement for registration.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Tuition Payments

All fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable. Receipt of these fees confirms your decision to enroll your child and insures a place in the school roster. Since our program and licensing requirements require us to engage staff for the year, refunds or discounts are not given for holidays, teacher planning days, or absenteeism for any reason. Tuition is based on a fixed amount for the whole school year. Registration is an agreement to pay tuition for the duration of the school year.

Active Status

Students may lose their active status if payments have not been made by the 15th of the month. Failure to maintain an active status may result in the holding of documentation, and losing the privilege of attending school.

Returned Checks

A $25.00 fee will be assessed for a returned check. All payments must be paid in cash, after the third returned check.

Athletic Fee

Students wishing to participate in athletics must pay an Athletic Fee which is used to cover the expenses of the teams such as referees, equipment, and gymnasium expenses..

Lunches

Lunch Program is catered. The cost is $3.00 per day based on number of school days in the month, payable monthly.

After-School Fee

Students remaining after school will be charged a fee. Students wishing to remain after school will be charged a fee as follows: monthly basis $100.00, weekly basis $40.00, and daily basis $10.00. High School students may not remain after school unless they are participating in an approved school activity, and are not eligible for after school services.

Fund Raising

Students are expected to participate in school fund raising efforts. Those students that prefer to not participate in fund raising efforts will be required to pay a fee of $50 per school year.

ACADEMICS

Curriculum

We use these curriculums: A Beka Christian Curriculum, Bob Jones University press, Accelerated Christian Education, Virtual School, Alpha Omega Publishing, and several other curriculums. Our curriculum is blended in an effort to offer the best of each to our students. A Beka Christian Curriculum is used predominantly in the elementary grades. Bob Jones University press is used predominantly in the middle and high school grades. Accelerated Christian Education, Virtual School, Alpha Omega Publishing, and other curriculums are used primarily in high school courses.

Scope & Sequence

Our curriculum, which is a blend of the three largest curriculum publishers for Christian schools and meets the guidelines of our accreditation association and state requirements for high school graduation.

Textbooks & Book-Bags

Textbooks shall become the property of the student upon full payment with the exception of hardbound textbooks. Hardbound textbooks remain the property of the school. Textbooks that are not returned in reusable condition shall be charged to the student's account. Hardbound textbooks must be covered with a removable cover, to protect the book.

School Supplies

Parents are responsible to purchase the necessary supplies that the students will need. Supply list is available from the School Supply page. For safety reasons the following are prohibited: mechanical pencils; scissors that do not have safety-rounded points; compasses that have more than a 1/4" metal point.

Bible

International Version of the Bible may be used for study purposes. Students are required to have a bible to attend Chapel.

Academic Probation

High School students are placed on Academic Probation if their Grade Point Average (GPA) falls below 2.0 in any grading period. Higher Summer School grades may be used in calculating a student’s GPA.

Cheating

Students that are caught cheating will receive a zero grade for the assignment. Cheating on a regular school course will result in receiving a zero grade for the exam. Cheating on a high school computer course may result in a grade of zero for the chapter. Cheating on a Virtual School course may result in failing or being withdrawn from the course.

Report Cards & Progress Reports

Our grading system, which displays grades and attendance, is updated daily and listed by semesters.

Grading

Alphabetic grades is used in Pre-Kindergarten for all grades for conduct, participation, and certain electives. The following alphabetic grades are used:

Grade Definition

A Excellent

B Good
C Satisfactory
N Needs Improvement

Numeric grades are used for all other grades. Only required academic subjects are calculated in the GPA.

Quarterly grades are averaged from test and quiz scores, and other assignments received during the quarter. The semester grade is an average of the two quarters. High school courses are graded on semester basis.

Homework

The school is strict about homework assignments. We expect parents to do their part in assisting us to teach our students. Homework counts for a minimum 20% of a student's grade. Parents should review homework assignments. We encourage you to assist your child with their homework.

Honor Roll

Students who maintain a high GPA are placed on an Honor Roll. Honor Rolls are updated quarterly. A failing grade in any subject will result in losing their Honor Roll status. Students who maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 will be placed on the “A” Honor Roll. Students are placed on the “B” Honor Roll if they maintain at least a 2.7 GPA.

Athletics

The school is a member of the Florida Christian Activities Association (FCAA) and Independent School League (ISL), and will participate in: girls volleyball, and boys and girls basketball, boys flag football. Students wishing to participate in extracurricular activities must maintain TCA academic average of 2.00 GPA .

Extra Curricular Activities

All students in grades six thru twelve are encouraged to participate in an extra curricular activity. They may choose from varsity sports, cheerleading, choir, or drama.

Taking additional Courses

Students may advance their studies and graduate earlier than scheduled by taking additional courses. Additional courses my be taken at the discretion of the director.

Failing a Course

Students that fail a high school required course must retake it during the summer session if it is offered. If not, the course may be retaken the following year. If the course is not offered the following year, a substitute course may be taken, or the failed course may be taken on a self study basis such as Virtual School. The director must approve all course choices.

Courses taken at other schools

Courses taken at another school, while attending, prior to attending, or after attending TCA, must be approved by TCA to be included on student transcript and considered for graduation requirements.

Standard Achievement Tests

The Stanford Achievement test, version ten, monitors and measures a student’s achievement against similar students on a national level. All students take their achievement tests every spring, and the results are provided with their final Report Cards. Tests are required for students in Kindergarten thru Eleventh Grades.

Requirements to pass grade

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten - Students must pass Numbers and Phonics, or at teacher's discretion.

First Grade thru Second Grade - Students must pass Mathematics and Phonics, or at teacher's discretion.

Third Grade and Sixth Grade - Students must pass Mathematics and English, or at teacher's discretion.

Seventh and Eighth Grade - Students must pass: Math, Science, English, and History, or at teacher's discretion.

Ninth Grade thru Twelfth Grade (H.S. Graduation Requirements) - Students must pass all courses required by State of Florida Department of Education and Trinity Christian Academy, and maintain a minimum of 2.0 Grade Point Average.

High School Graduation Requirements

Students must complete and pass state and school required courses totaling a minimum 24 credits. Students must attend their full senior year at TCA to receive a diploma. The following is a list of courses that students will take following the programmed schedule in the four years at TCA.

A General Diploma is awarded to students participating the General High School Diploma Program who achieve a 2.0 or higher GPA.

An Academic Diploma is awarded to students participating in the Academic High School Diploma Program who achieve a 2.7 or higher GPA.

A Honor Diploma is awarded to students participating in the Honor High School Diploma Program who achieve 3.5 or higher GPA.

ATTENDANCE

Absences

Absences without a doctor's note or a note from parent will be considered unexcused absences. Pursuant to state and county legislation high school students with more than eighteen (18) unexcused absences in a school year will not receive credit for courses during the year. Students with excessive absences will receive an incomplete grade for their courses. To receive credit for a course, students must attend summer school or retake the course the following school year. Parents should always provide a note after an absence to verify that the parent knew about the absence. Attendance will be taken in each high school level course. All lateness and absences shall remain a part of a student's record. Absence from school does not relieve students from the responsibility of completing their assignments. All projects and tests must be made up upon their return.

Tardiness

Classes will start at their scheduled start time. Students that are not seated in their classrooms with their textbooks open and ready to start class at the sound of the bell will be marked late. In an effort to reduce the disturbance of the classroom once classes have started, students will be assigned a Detention for every fourth lateness in a month. There is no excuse for habitual lateness.

High school students that arrive late and miss more than half a class will be considered absent for the class and be subject to the absence policy. Therefore, students that excessively arrive late to school jeopardize receiving credit for a class.

Early Dismissal

Missing school due to lateness, absence, or early dismissal, takes time away from learning. We strongly suggest that doctor appointments be scheduled for late afternoon. If a student must be picked up during school hours, an Early Dismissal Form must be filled out at the office.

HEALTH

Health Record

Students may not register or attend school unless the required medical forms are furnished. These forms are obtained from the student's doctor. The yellow physical exam must include a TB test. The blue form is proof of current immunization. Health records must be dated within two years.

Communicable Diseases

The school maintains a strict position on the dealing of communicable diseases. Students and parents shall report any sign of health risks to the administration. Any student who has a communicable disease may not be allowed on school grounds until cleared by a doctor and providing an authorization form. At the discretion of the school, a student may be isolated until such time that they are picked-up.

Medical Care

The school will not provide any type of medicine. If a student requires medication, it must be brought to the school. Parents must sign an authorization form giving directions for the administering of the medicine. The authorization form is available at the school office. Medicine will be refrigerated if required.

If a student feels ill, the student will be asked to rest quietly for a brief period. If the student continues to feel ill, the school will call a parent, and follow the parent’s direction. The school and its employees will be held harmless from any reaction to any medicine given to a student.

Stay at home

A student should not be sent to school if the child has experienced fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, in the past 24 hours. In addition, children should not attend school if they have chills, sore throat, strep throat, cold, runny nose, or bad cough. Students with head lice will be sent home and may not return until properly treated.

Accidents

All precautions have been taken to provide a safe environment. For minor treatments such as a scrape or minor cut, the school may clean the wound with Hydrogen Peroxide, administer an anti-infection medication, and may administer gauze. If the administration determines the accident to be serious in nature, the school may call the local Fire/Rescue Department. Accident reports are completed by the teacher and must be signed by a parent.

Insurance

The school maintains liability and accident insurance. Our insurance policies will be implemented after any employment, family, group, or personal insurance plans have reached their maximum limitations. Although the school does have insurance policies, Trinity Christian Academy, its administration, teachers, and staff will be held harmless in the event of any accident or injury obtained by a student. Injuries received due to failure to follow instructions shall not be covered by the school’s insurance policies.

SERVICES

Hours of Operation

The following are the hours of operation.

School 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Office 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM

Breakfast

The school provides free cold milk and cereal breakfasts from 7:00 AM until 7:30 AM. All breakfasts must be eaten in the cafeteria.

Lunch

The school will provide a daily hot lunch to all students at a charge of $3.00 per day on a monthly basis. You may send a home-packed lunch for your child as an alternate to the lunch provided by the school. Menus are available during the last week of the prior month for your review. No substitution of the menu is permitted. Canned goods, glassware, and any food required to be heated or that requires a microwave are not permitted in our cafeteria. High school students may leave school grounds on foot, and are restricted to the "Presidente" shopping center.

Before School Care

Before School Care will be from 7:00 AM until start of classes. There is no charge for this service.

After School Care

The school will care for any student that cannot be picked-up after their dismissal. After School Care commences 15 minutes after dismissal. All students remaining past their pickup time, including students with financial assistance, will be subject to a charge of $100.00 per month, $30.00 per week, or $8.00 per day. After School Care is free to students that participate in athletics until their athletic activities are over. Students may not remain after school unless they are participating in an approved school activity.

After School Lateness

The school closes at 6:00 PM sharp! Students left after 6:00 PM will be assessed a fee of $10.00 per incident. Students left after 6:15 PM will be assessed a fee of $20.00 per incident. Students left after 6:30 PM will be assessed a fee of $30.00 per incident. Students left after 6:45 PM will be assessed a fee of $40.00. Students left after 7:00 PM may be reported to the local authorities.

Snacks & Gum

Students remaining after school are given a free snack of juice and cookies. Snacks are only allowed in the cafeteria. Gum may not be chewed anywhere on school grounds.

Lost & Found

We suggest that the student’s name be placed on all articles of clothing, books, and supplies. Articles found will be returned to the student if it can be identified. Articles that are not retrieved are donated to charitable organizations. TCA is not responsible for lost items.

Office Hours

The office will be open daily from 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM when school is in session. Calls received prior to 8:30 AM or after 3:00 PM will be recorded.

Summer School

Summer school is available to students who fail a subject or wish to advance their studies. The Summer School program is from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM for a four-week period. Summer School schedule will be announced prior to the end of the school year. Students passing a Summer School course will receive a grade of 65 for the course. Summer School registration fee is $25.00, and the tuition is $200.00. If the course will be taught during the summer period or available as an in-house Computer Lab course, it must be taken during summer.

COMMUNICATION

Communication with Parents

Parents may access student records 24/7 using their Gradelink account. Parents may ask for teacher conferences by calling the school's office.

Calendars

General school year calendar is available on the student portal. The calendars illustrate forthcoming events. The school is closed on holidays, recesses, and teacher planning days.

Parental Concerns

We maintain an “open door” policy, which allows parents to speak directly with the student’s teacher. Please call the office to request that a teacher call you. If a concern cannot be resolved with the teacher, please contact Mrs. Jimenez. If a concern cannot be resolved with Mrs. Jimenez, the director shall be consulted. If necessary, the school shall schedule a parent teacher meeting. We promote that parents take an active role in the education of their children, and offer to make ourselves available to the parents. Concerns are to be addressed to Mrs. Jimenez.

Visitors and Phone Calls

Students are not allowed to have visitors or receive telephone calls. The office will notify a student if a telephone call is considered an emergency. Parents should limit their calls to those that are important in nature. Friends of students may not visit the school or parking lot.

Leaving School Grounds

High School students may leave school grounds if they have permission from their parents. Students in these grades may sign-out younger brothers and sisters, if they will immediately leave the school. Once students have left the school, they may not return. The right to leave the school grounds may be revoked upon an incident occurring.

SAFETY

Dropping off and Picking up students

This is an issue of much importance to the welfare of your children. We are very conscious of the safety of our students. We need your assistance to promote safety in the school. Students being dropped off prior to 8:15 a.m. must be dropped off at the 15 Ave. entrance. After 8:15 a.m. students must enter through the main entrance. When picking up a student after school has ended, they may be picked up at the 15 Ave. entrance. Parents will not be allowed to enter the building at the 15 Ave. entrance at any time. Parents must enter the building at the main entrance. If an emergency arises and someone else needs to come to pick up your child, please call the office, and give us the name of the person that you have sent. We strongly suggest that at registration, you give the names of at least two persons who are authorized to pick-up your child up thru third grade.

Please be advised that under no circumstance, will we release a student to someone whom:

1. Does not have a picture identification,
2. Is not listed on the student's card as being an approved person for pick-up,
3. Authorization has not been given to the office for that day.

We will accept the person registering a student as having the right to do so If one parent is not allowed to remove the student from the school, a copy of the legal documentation stating this fact must be on file in the office. Students in PK thru Eighth Grade may not leave the school grounds unless being picked up by an adult.

Parking Lot

Please drive slowly in our parking lot, and be aware that there may be other parents arriving or leaving. Please do not park in front of the gates or openings.

Search and Seizure

In an effort to maintain a safe environment, the school reserves the right to inspect lockers, cars, book-bags, and students, by appropriate persons, without prior notice. Students need not be present during inspections of lockers.

Restroom Breaks

Students may go to restrooms with permission. Classrooms with bathroom passes will have one per gender. Students in the lower grades will have programmed restroom breaks. Students may not walk the halls without permission. Students in PK thru fourth grade will use a designated set of restrooms, the rest of the school will use the set of restrooms by the cafeteria.

Lockers

Students in Fifth Grade and above will be assigned a locker. Students may not change assigned lockers without permission. Students may lose the privilege of locker use, if their locker is not maintained in a neat manner and may not place a lock on the locker.

Leaving Early

Any student leaving before the end of their school schedule must have parental permission.

Playground Safety & Toys

Students must wear rubber-soled sneakers or shoes to avoid slipping during their play times. Toys of any kind are not allowed in school. Personal property that is not required by the school shall not be brought to school. Personal property and toys may be confiscated by the administration. TCA is not responsible for the loss of personal property or toys.

SECURITY

Cameras

The school has installed 41 video cameras, inside and outside. Certain areas of the school are recorded. In an effort to maintain security, all parents are requested to check in with the administration office upon arrival.

Field Trips

Field trips are scheduled during the school year. Name-tags are not worn during field trips. Students must wear their school shirts during school trips for identification purposes. Suitable chaperones accompany students on all field trips. Registration of a student grants permission of the student to attend all school activities and field trips. Parents must pay the field trip fee prior to a field trip. Field trips are planned for the whole class. Students that do not participate in a field trip may stay at home and will be marked absent for the day. Students that come to school when their class is on a field trip will be charged a Day Camp Fee of $15.00.

Sporting Field Trips

Athletes are responsible for transportation to and from all games and practice locations. TCA is not responsible for students when they are not on school grounds. The school will provide location and time information for all sporting events. The coach may establish additional rules governing sporting events.

Classroom Visits After School

Students shall take all their belongings and necessary books when they leave the classroom at the end of the school day. Students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after school has ended.

Six Inch Rule

There shall be no intimate contact of any kind between male and female students.

Separation of Grades

In an attempt to maintain discipline, students shall remain with students of similar ages. The scheduling of lunch and PE will maintain grade separation. Students will be divided into the following groups to play after school. Students will be allowed to inter-mix grades after school when the activities are supervised.

Pre-K thru Forth Grade will play in the Infant Play Area
Fifth Grade thru Eighth Grade will play in the 15th Ave. basketball area.
High School students are restricted to the rear bench area.

Cell Phones Smart Watches

High school students may bring cell phones. Smart watches, or electronic devices such as iPads or tablets may not be brought to school. Cell phones must be turned-in to the school upon arrival and may not be retrieved until leaving school grounds at the end of their day. Failure to turn-in a cell phone will result in confiscation of the cell phone until the end of the school year. Students in middle school may bring cellphones only on Field Trips.

DISCIPLINE & CONDUCT

Discipline Policy

Our students are taught to understand the importance of proper behavior. They are expected to maintain a high standard of behavior while on and off school grounds. Our curriculum provides a busy schedule for our students. We believe that constructive activities keep children entertained and act as a deterrent to disciplinary problems.

Should a disciplinary measure be needed, the student may be given a “Warning” or a "Time Out" period. Should a problem continue they might be giy not be done during regular class.

Should a problem persist, the student may be removed from the classroom, and brought to the school office or another part of the school, and may be given additional penalty. If the student does not conform to school policies, a meeting with the parents may be requested to discuss corrective measures. These corrective measures may include suspension or expulsion. A student that has received a fourth suspension may be asked to leave the school. The school does not tolerate students that typically demonstrate a willingness to defy school regulations or students who demonstrate a lack of remorse. Students that demonstrate a lack of responsibility, promote disobedience, or demonstrate anti-Christian ethics may be asked to leave the school. The school reserves the right to expel a student for being a bad influence.

We will make every attempt to maintain discipline in the school for the benefit of all students. We will not allow a student to disrupt the right of other students to receive a good education. Students shall understand that discipline is part of learning, and that they may not disrupt the opportunity of others to learn.

Any member of the faculty or staff may correct any inappropriate action by any student, and assign a disciplinary action.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a moral and Christian like manner, and are required to adhere to our high standards and refrain from the following:

Insubordination, lack of respect, or insolence
Any action involving pornography or homosexuality
Stealing of other student’s or school property
Demonstrate anti-Christian ethics
Promote disobedience
Leaving classroom or grounds without permission
Inappropriate behavior or language
Inappropriate displays of affection
Threatening or intimidation of others
Possession or transfer of tobacco items
Physical abuse of others
Possession of transfer of fireworks
Verbal abuse of others
Food fights

Assignments

Students that violate a school policy will be given a Detention assignment. Assignments that are not turned in on time will result in suspension until the assignment is completed.

Disciplinary Probation

At the discretion of the administration, students may be placed on Disciplinary Probation. A major violation of school policies may result in suspension or expulsion from the school.

Maintenance by Students

Classrooms, restrooms, cafeteria and common school grounds shall be maintained in an orderly manner during and after classes. Classrooms shall be left clean. Students are responsible for the maintenance of their environment. This includes their lockers, desks and restrooms. Lockers that are not maintained may result in the loss of the use of the locker.

Classroom Behavior

Students shall not do any actions that will disrupt the class including speak out of turn, eat, drink, or chew food, candy, or gum. Students shall remain seated at all times. Students are expected to prepare for their school day before the start of classes. Teachers may institute individual regulations. Students are considered late if they are not in their seat and ready for class when the bell rings.

Students in the hallways

Students shall refrain from speaking or playing while in the hallway. Students shall not run in the halls. Students must follow their teacher's instruction at all times regardless of their location. In an effort to reduce disruptions, students shall keep their noise level to a minimum while on school grounds. In grades up through Second, students shall line up in a line when walking in the hallways. No food or drinks may be taken out of the cafeteria.

Drugs & Weapons

We realize that drugs and weapons are readily available in the community. The State of Florida has imposed stiff laws pertaining to the purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to minors. We believe that the best way to avoid becoming involved in these habits is to never start. Therefore, we promote total abstinence as a way to avoid these issues. The school maintains a zero tolerance policy on certain issues. A student found to possess or transmit an unlawful drug, or possess or transmit a weapon, would be immediately expelled from school, and arrested by the Hialeah Police Department.

Tobacco & Alcoholic Beverages

Students found with a tobacco product or an alcoholic beverage will be placed on disciplinary probation. Continued violation may lead to expulsion.

Music and Dancing

Music is a form of art. We teach our students to learn how to determine which music is consistent to what we teach. In addition to acceptable lyrics, the author’s lifestyle is also influential. The school reserves the right to define what music is acceptable to be played on school grounds. Music denouncing God, promoting pagan thoughts or lyrics of mature or sensual content is not allowed. As with music, dancing is also a form of art. The school maintains the same criteria with dancing as it does with music. Playing of music, and dancing are allowed with the permission of a teacher. Students may not listen to music while on school grounds.

Musical Instruments

Only students belonging to the school band or assisting the band will be allowed to bring instruments to school.

Damages & Student Parking

Students are responsible for the repair or replacement of damage to school property. Students that meet state requirements shall be allowed to drive to school and shall park in designated spaces. Students playing the radio loudly will lose their parking privileges.

Solicitation

Solicitation, advertisement, or sale of any products or services by any student, employee, or parent is prohibited without the permission of the administration.

Parental Misconduct

Parents are expected to set an example of proper conduct. The school reserves the right to restrict parents from being on school grounds, and may expel a student if parents do not conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Inappropriate behavior includes issues such as: causing a scene on school grounds, consistent complaints of the school, disruption of school activities, threats upon a school employee or student. Parents will forward any concerns to the administration. A parent may not have a discussion with a student other than their own without permission of the administration. Parents are expected to support the school on all issues relating to the education of their children. The school may expel a student at any time should a parent not agree with the policies administered or actions taken by the school. Parents are asked to support the school. They should not complain about the school due to a personal or selfish reason such as having to arrive late to school to pick up a child that is serving a detention.

Parental Responsibility

Wherever the word parent appears in this handbook it shall refer to all parents and guardians. Parents may be held responsible for the actions of their children, therefore, the school shall advise a parent of any significant violation of the school handbook.

Character Structuring

The Bible has numerous examples of the importance of good character. In our teachings, we demonstrate the importance of character in one’s life. Our students learn to follow God’s ways. One of which includes being a person of good moral character. We are committed to training our students in learning all facets of education. We want to develop our students to be prepared to properly handle their lives. We welcome your assistance in the character development of our students.

The teaching of character is one of much importance. What we are can be more important as what we know, or what we are able to do. We recognize that what we become when we are mature is a product of what we learned when we were young.

TCA strives to make our students good Christian citizens. This undertaking may be harder than teaching a student academic subjects. It requires a combined effort of teachers, administration, friends, and most important, the parents. The school alone can teach a student to excel in academic subjects. The school alone cannot teach a student to excel as a good citizen. A student’s social and moral education begins at home. Parents must join the effort made by the school to reinforce what students learn in school. We therefore expect that parents will teach their children proper behavior by showing them how to behave. Parents will not act in a defiant manner in the presence of the students. Parents that allow a double standard will confuse the students. Students demonstrating continued negative behavior may be asked to leave the school.

Notice of change

The administration reserves the right to alter or change any or all items detailed in this Student Handbook at any time without prior notice.

DRESS CODE

Appearance

Proper grooming is an important part of a student's education. Students must wear approved uniforms that are neat and clean. The school uniform must be worn during class. Students may not wear jeans without permission. A student found to have improper dress, including having shirts not tucked during school hours, whether or not in the building, may be given a punishment, or have their privileges revoked. Sunglasses may not be worn on school grounds. Receiving a tattoo while an active student may result in expulsion. New students may be refused admission if they have a tattoo. Receiving a temporary tattoo such as Henna or Flash, etc. may result in suspension until tattoo has disappeared.

Students may not wear the following: biker shorts, spandex or latex clothing, tights, sleeveless shirts, clothing with writing except team sports and biblical wording, tank tops, see through clothing, tight clothing, back-less shoes, hooded garments, or cargo pants/shorts. Habitual improper dress may lead to disciplinary actions. Continued improper appearance may be grounds for expulsion.

All uniform items except the official school shirts must be purchased at All Uniform Wear, 2605 West 8th Ave., Hialeah. School shirts, for all grades, must be purchased from the school. Students that do not have their school shirt/pants/skirt etc., may be sent home.

PROPER AND ACCEPTABLE APPEARANCE IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

The following are examples of dress that must be worn by our students. The list is not all-inclusive. The school reserves the right to modify the dress codes at any time. Modesty is essential for all school dress codes. Sneakers or black shoes may be worn. All clothing should be loose fitting. If an undergarment is noticeable, the garment is too tight.

Male Students

Facial hair is not permitted. Boys must be clean shaved on Mondays and Thursdays. Hairstyles must be tapered, conservative, and must not reach shirt collar. Sideburns must not be below bottom of ear. Hair colors shall be natural in color, and must be maintained trimmed. White socks and school uniform must be worn at all times. All shirts are to be fully tucked-in, and belts must be worn at the waistline.

A clean feminine appearance must be maintained. Hairstyles must be conservative. Hair colors shall be natural in color, and must be maintained trimmed. White socks and school uniform must be worn at all times. All shirts are to be fully tucked-in.

Burgundy or blue school shirts must be worn at all times and must be tucked-in, with the following exceptions.
1. Jean Day – School shirts must be worn, but do not have to be tucked in.
2. Senior shirts – may be worn any day with the school shirt underneath.
3. Athletic "T" shirts may be worn on a game day or Dress Down Day.
4. Varsity Basketball Shooting Shirt – may be worn any day with the school shirt underneath.
5. Jackets – only TCA jackets may be worn in school.
6. Students arriving in other jackets must place their jackets in their lockers.
7. Sweaters – only TCA sweaters may be worn in school.
8. Students arriving in other sweaters must place their sweaters in their lockers.
9. Hooded garments may not be worn at any time.

Inclement Weather

During inclement weather, students may wear appropriate outerwear while traveling to school. Once in school, outerwear may not be worn. Clothing that advertises another school may not be worn at any time.

Jewelry

Jewelry shall be limited to reasonable chains, watches, and rings as determined by their teacher. Chains may not be any wider than ¼” wide and must be worn in a manner that they are not seen. Charms may be of religious or personal in nature, and should be reasonable in size. Body piercing is prohibited. Male students may not wear earrings. Female students may wear one earring per ear from the lower earlobe. Excessive amount of jewelry is not allowed. Students may not wear clothing, haircut design, buttons, or other items that may be considered offensive, suggestive, indecent, associated with or encourage the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, violence, or association with a gang.

Makeup, Nails, Perfumes

Female students in Seventh Grade and above may wear makeup and perfumes at their teacher’s discretion. Makeup shall be conservative in colors, quantity, and design. Female students may bring makeup items to school, but may only use them in the restrooms. At no time shall any form of brushing or makeup be done outside of a restroom. Failure to adhere to school policies may result in forfeiture of rights to wear makeup. Nails shall be maintained at a reasonable length depending on